Arcola, Illinois - This year’s Illinois State Old-Time Fiddle Contest will be held Sept. 2 at Rockome Gardens, an Amish-themed tourist spot near Arcola in east central Illinois. Grand prize to the Open Champion is $250, along with a trophy and a traveling trophy. Cash prizes are paid through fifth place in the open category.

Other categories are for fiddlers over 70, beginners 10 years old and younger and junior for fiddles ages 11 to 19. First-place winners in the junior and senior divisions are eligible to enter the open competition.

The registration fee is $4 before Aug. 29 and $6 on the day of the contest. Registrations can be made by calling 217-795-2035 or 217-268-4106.

Contest sponsor, Illinois Old Time Fiddlers, also maintains a Web presence at http://www.myspace.com/illinoisoldtimefiddlers.

Information about Rockome Gardens is available at http://www.rockome.com